Emerald on Quartz - image 1
Emerald on Quartz - image 2
Emerald on Quartz - image 3

Emerald on Quartz

Unknown Owner
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This specimen features a 4.6 x 1.3 x 1.1 cm emerald of deep evergreen color, on quartz. As with most emeralds from this mine, the surface is a little rough and pitted compared to Colombian emeralds, but then there is admittedly a tradeoff for sheer color and impact vs price; and this difference in surface texture is part of the explanation for more reasonable pricing on Kagem emerald crystals for their size. To get a similarly-sized Colombian emerald, without repair, and with such intense color, would set you back 10 times this price in any case, so I felt that the Kagem pieces are a pretty good value in comparison to other worldwide emerald specimens. This piece I chose for its very fine exposure, showing the whole crystal and a freestanding termination. The termination is slightly asymmetric, but is complete. The color is very dark, but still the piece is quite translucent and even transparent in zones. In person, it is much more impactful if backlit slightly. Upper-row professional photo is by Joe Budd.

Product details

SpeciesEmerald, Quartz
SizeMiniature
Dimensions4.6 x 3.0 x 3.0 cm
Added on10/23/2024

Known provenance

DateCollectorAcquisition price
08/2024Unknown OwnerNot disclosed
The ArkenstoneNot disclosed

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Emerald
Mineral guide
Learn about Emerald
iconic green beryl crystals prized for saturated color and rarity of gemmy prisms; legendary localities include Muzo, Chivor, Kagem.
Emerald
Regional guide
Emerald from Kagem Emerald Mine, Zambia
from Kagem, Zambia — vivid green beryl crystals with strong translucency, schist-hosted formation, prized for color, provenance, and collecting appeal.